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EFL calls for ‘economic reset’ following European Super League failure

The EFL has called for an economic reset to protect all clubs after welcoming the withdrawal of England’s ‘big six’ from the “divisive” European Super League project.

Promising to embrace the Government’s fan-led review of the game, the EFL is seeking to harness the unity of the response to the Super League proposal, which it claims “threatened the sporting principles of the football pyramid that our founding members pioneered over a century ago”.

A statement read: “The European Super League failed in part due to a model of distorted and unfair financial distributions, a criticism that can also be levelled at the current financial model in our own domestic game.

“The EFL hopes the same enthusiasm can be immediately directed to achieve appropriate and much-needed change to the distribution of wealth in our domestic leagues, and we will work with all parties to push for this reform.

“By resetting economically, we can support all clubs in achieving a sustainable future, promoting the principles that so many have fought for.

“Reforms must also consider UEFA’s own Champions League restructuring, which poses an existential threat to our competitions, including the League Cup, which provides vital income to EFL clubs and is the breeding ground for stars of the future.”

Commenting on Tuesday night’s exit of Premier League clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham from the controversial plan – they were followed on Wednesday morning by LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid and Serie A counterparts Inter Milan – the statement added: “Across the globe, people in and outside of the game spoke up when it counted.

“The EFL is heartened by the response and remain proud to be part of a unified footballing system that promotes open competition, gives everybody a chance to dream and continues to inspire generations of young people in the communities from where our Clubs take their name.

“The message is clear, that the pyramid must be protected above all.”